Associate Dentist- Private Practice- Full Schedule- Ownership Potential
Location: Farmington, NM
Status: Full-Time| 4 days/week
Compensation & Benefits: $200,000-$400,000
Why You’ll Love Working Here
This is a rare opportunity to join a private group practice with deep community roots and a reputation for delivering high-quality care for over 50 years. You’ll walk into a full patient schedule from day one, a high-performing team, and the support of a team of owner doctors with a combined 90 years of experience.
The practice is respected, organized, technologically advanced and family-focused with no chaos and no DSO burnout. The systems are dialed in, the culture is collaborative, and you’ll never feel like just a “provider”. If you’re looking to grow clinically and professionally, this role includes a clear path to ownership in a thriving practice that’s built to last.
You’ll feel right at home here if you enjoy working with a supportive team, value long-term patient relationships, and are excited about delivering great dental care in a well-run private practice. It’s a great fit for someone confident in their clinical skills, who communicates clearly, and wants to be part of a close-knit office that takes pride in doing good work for the community. Whether you are an experienced dentist seeking a long-term home or a recent graduate looking for mentorship and support, we would be delighted to speak with you about the opportunity.
If you’re unsure about managing a full schedule or aren’t quite ready to take ownership of your clinical decisions, this may not be the right environment for you. We’re looking for someone who’s ready to plug into a strong system, contribute to a positive culture, and grow with us for the long haul.
Our Core Values
Long-Term Trust Over Short-Term Gains- This practice has been a pillar in the community for over 50 years, and many of the patients who came as children now bring their children and grandchildren to the practice. That level of generational trust isn’t built overnight; it’s earned through consistency, respect, and high clinical standards. Every patient interaction reflects that mindset.
Professional, Clear Communication – This team values direct, respectful dialogue with its patients, assistants, and colleagues. We are seeking someone who speaks up, listens attentively, and conducts conversations with professionalism and courtesy.
Efficiency Without Sacrificing Quality– This team knows how to work hard and have fun at the same time. Appointments are structured around a finely tuned schedule with treatment planning to deliver high-quality care in realistic timeframes. You’ll be supported by systems that respect both your time and the patient’s time.
Collaboration Between Providers with Genuine Teamwork Throughout – Teamwork across the entire practice is part of the daily rhythm. Treatment plans are shared, patient care is constantly discussed, and open communication between doctors is essential.
Stability and Leadership from the Top – The senior doctor, Dr. Schumacher, has been president of the NM Dental Association and served as chairman of the NM State Board of Dental Health Care. His partners, Drs. Hilton, Burgess and Collins are all active in organized dentistry, while championing events like Mission of Mercy, Nizhoni Smiles, community health fairs and Give Kids a Smile and serving on the San Juan College dental hygiene advisory board. Each actively invests in the systems and structure to make clinical and business mentoring a key strength, where the right associate can grow into a leadership and ownership role over time.
What You’ll Do
- Provide general dental care to the highest clinical standards.
- Manage a full patient schedule with support from experienced assistants.
- Participate in treatment planning and collaborate with other providers on internal cross-specialty cases.
- Engage with patients and families to build long-term relationships.
- Contribute to a positive team culture that values communication and shared growth.
Compensation & Benefits
- Daily guarantee: $950/day or 30% of adjusted production, whichever is greater (first 6 months)
- After 6 months: 30% of adjusted production
- $2,500+ CE allowance
- Relocation bonus
- Health insurance
- 401(k) after 1 year
- Ownership opportunity available
- Supportive, experienced clinical and admin team
Why This Job Stands Out
This role offers competitive compensation, including a $950 per day daily guarantee for the first six months of employment, or an adjusted production rate of 30%, whichever is greater. Adjusted production of 30% thereafter with realistic earnings between $200,000 and $400,000+. With a full schedule from day one, you’ll have the support and patient flow to thrive clinically and financially.
Located in Farmington, NM the practice offers the kind of small-town community connection many dentists are looking for, while still being within 45-60 minutes of Durango, CO, Durango-LaPlata Airport, Purgatory Ski Resort and the San Juan Mountains of Southwestern Colorado. Farmington is the hub of the Four Corners area and is a setting where you can build long-term relationships with patients and enjoy a balanced lifestyle without sacrificing access to city amenities.
You’ll be stepping into a culture that values professionalism, transparency, and shared success. This is a grounded, low-drama team where everyone contributes, communication is clear, and patients are treated like family. The environment is fast paced but well-supported, and the systems are built to help you succeed without chaos.
Mentorship is built into the practice's structure. You’ll be working alongside Dr. Charles Schumacher and Dr. Gene Hilton, senior owners who have over 60 years of experience in general, cosmetic, implant and sleep dentistry. All doctors are deeply committed to collaborative mentoring and associate growth. If you’re looking for guidance, case support, and a team who genuinely want to see you succeed, you’ll find it here.
Most importantly, this isn’t just another associateship. For the right doctor, this is a clear path to ownership in a well-established, multi-specialty private practice. If you’re looking for a long-term home where you can lead, grow, and build something meaningful, this is an opportunity worth exploring.
Who We’re Looking For
Someone who is:
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with a full schedule and efficient systems.
- Clear, direct, and professional in their communication with patients, families, and team members.
- Team-oriented, emotionally steady, and grounded in a respectful, low-drama approach to clinical care.
- Motivated to grow long-term within a private practice, with interest in leadership and future ownership.
Apply Today
If you’re looking for a private general dentist opportunity where you can lead, grow and stay long term, this is it. Let’s start the conversation.
Job
Desert Hills Dental Care is a well-established and thriving four-doctor dental practice located in beautiful Farmington, NM. Our office has proudly served the community for 50 years, and we are continuing to grow. To meet the needs of our expanding patient base, we are seeking a motivated and compassionate dentist to join our team.
At Desert Hills Dental Care, we offer:
* A busy, fully equipped practice with a strong flow of new and returning patients.
* A supportive team environment with experienced dentists and highly trained staff
* State-of-the-art technology and modern operatories.
* Highly competitive compensation and benefits with opportunities for professional growth and advancement.
We are committed to providing excellent care to our patients while also creating a positive, collaborative workplace for our providers. Whether you are an experienced dentist seeking a long-term home or a recent graduate looking for mentorship and support, we would be delighted to speak with you about the opportunities we offer.
Farmington is a wonderful community! It serves as the major hub for communities from all states in the Four Corners Region. Recreational activities to enjoy here are endless!
If you are interested in learning more, please contact me via email at ghilton@deserthillsdental.com. We would love to schedule a time to meet, tour our office, and discuss how you could become an integral part of our team.
Thank you for your time and consideration. We look forward to the possibility of working together to continue serving our wonderful patients.
Warm regards,
Charles Schumacher, DDS
Gene Hilton, DDS
Clarissa Burgess, DDS
Jacob, Collins, DDS